Bears' Beat - March 13 (and also 30), 2026
Information
Have a great break and welcome back!
We're sending this bulletin out now, before the break, but it will stand until after the break as well. Read it now, read it later; it's your choice.
Congratulations, Innovators!
Congratulations to the Grade 5s on a spectacular Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fair. The teachers and students put in an immense effort, and it showed in every aspect of the event. Products were clever and well-executed, advertising was interesting and showed a great effort. I remarked to the staff that everyone was really well-invested in their work (no pun intended, but I'll take it), which has not always been my observation over the years. Extra congratulations to Irene, Jace and Mattias, who were invited to display and sell their work at the district Idea Summit in May. They will be working hard over the break and beyond to prepare.
Here's a look at the student booths. We had a great range of ideas on display!
and of course you have to count your earnings! After the counting, the students wrote a letter and donated a portion of their profits to a cause of their choosing
Thank you, Mr. Woelders
We want to send a huge thanks to Mr. Woelders for helping us out during Mr. Oliver's absence. His leadership and hard work will leave a mark for far longer than he was actually here, and we really appreciate how quickly he connected with adults and kids alike!
Mr. Oliver's Spring Break Challenge!
I hadn't thought of this previously, but a student asked me on Tuesday what the challenge would be this time (at winter break it was the 24-hour screen-free challenge), so I had to come up with something. Inspired by my own fitness tracker, I decided the challenge would be this: Do at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity outside every single day. What does that mean? It depends on you. A brisk family walk. Yoga. Skiing. Swimming (maybe this one isn't outside). A bike ride. A hike. Anything that gets your heart pumping! It could be rain or shine, morning or night, but you can still get out there. And track it! See what you can make of this challenge, Bears! You might have an amazing experience. One evening walk last week, I heard and then saw two owls, which was pretty cool, and people walking near Stanley Park at the right time last week saw a trio of killer whales right from the Seawall. Get out there, and see what you can see!
Spirit Wear Returns!
We are doing another order of Spirit Wear. Orders can be placed on School Cash online and are due April 5. https://sd35.schoolcashonline.com/
This will be our special, commemorative, first-year-only product, with wə t̕ɑtəɬ tə spəpéʔeθ - Original Bears, with the logo.
Moving/Withdrawing
Parents are asked to inform the school as soon as possible if/when they know that their children will be leaving our school or not returning in the fall. Please complete our withdraw form and return it to the office.
Talk with Me, Play with Me, Learn with Me
Talk with Me, Play with Me, Learn with Me is a fun and engaging Langley Literacy Network program designed for Kindergarten students and their caregivers. The program will run Saturday mornings from 10–11am, April 4th to May 23rd at the Donna Gabriel Robins Elementary School Welcome Centre. It is an opportunity to read, play, learn, and connect. Each week, families will explore new books and activities that support early literacy and learning. Plus, every participating family will take home eight new books to build their home library!
Registration is required, and space is limited. Sign up today at
https://langleyliteracynetwork.com/talk-with-me-play-with-me-learn-with-me/
McHappy Day - May 6, 2026
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, McDonald’s Langley locations will celebrate McHappy Day, raising funds to support families and children in our community. Proceeds will be split between three local charities, including the Langley School District Foundation!
This year, the goal is to raise $28,000. Your support will help fund Out-of-School Programs for Langley students.
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers will help create a fun and welcoming atmosphere while supporting fundraising efforts.
Volunteer activities may include:
- Greeting guests in the lobby
- Helping with games or activities for families
- Collecting donations in the drive-thru donation bucket
- Encouraging guests to support McHappy Day fundraising
No experience is needed — just bring your energy, enthusiasm, and community spirit!
Volunteer Times
Volunteers are needed throughout the day from: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. You are welcome to volunteer for as little as 1 hour or longer. We welcome:
- Individuals
- Families
- Students completing volunteer hours
- Community groups
- School groups such as band, cheer teams, and dance teams
Quotes of the Week
Something to read (or watch)
(Repeated from last week, ICYMI) With Spring Break coming, we thought you might like some activity ideas. Healthy Family Living has this extensive list of ideas, some free and some with a cost. The 'Animal Survivor' at Aldergrove Regional Park looks like fun. This site has some of the same events and activities, but also includes a few others. The Britannia Shipyards in Steveston is an interesting stop, and there's some good food to be had for lunch in Steveston too. And if you take the roundabout way home, along the river, you can stop in and have a look at the living history that is Finn Slough. Finally, I came across the UBC Pacific Museum of Earth which looks pretty cool to me.
Calendar Dates to Remember
Monday, March 30
Welcome Back
Tuesday, March 31
Student Assembly
Wednesday, April 1
Ready, Set, Learn - 12:30
Thursday, April 2
PAC Easter Dance
Friday, April 3
Good Friday Holiday
Monday, April 6
Easter Monday Holiday
Wednesday, April 8
Ready, Set, Learn - 12:30
Friday, April 10
PAC Fun Lunch